Adams is known for his unique brand of science-fiction comedy, including the five-volume Hitchhiker's series and two books featuring the detective Dirk Gently. Adams also wrote passionately about natural science, evolution, endangered species, website design and new technology. He also worked as writer and script editor (for Season 17) of the BBC's popular science fiction series Doctor Who.

In 1986, Adams was involved as a consultant on a proposed one hour Muppet TV special about computer literacy, The Muppet Institute of Technology. Adams flew out to New York City to meet with Jim Henson and twenty other consultants for discussions. Christopher Cerf was also involved in the production,[1] which was ultimately never completed.[2]

Adams once threw a party which Jim Henson attended. As Henson was leaving, he gave Adams a smoked salmon, in order to prompt Adams to say "So long, and thanks for all the fish" (a phrase from the Hitchhiker's series).[1]